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Китай и Россия

21 марта:

Q: There are reports that Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Moscow and meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Could you please confirm it? If yes, what are the main topics of their talks?

A: As is known to all, China and Russia enjoy very good relationship. President Vladimir Putin has sent his warm congratulations to President Xi Jinping immediately and President Xi Jinping has also congratulated President Putin on his reelection instantly.

Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has been operating at a high level and embracing new opportunities. We have full expectation for and every confidence in the future of China-Russia relations.

Moreover, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stayed in close touch with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. As for the specific visit you asked about, I have no information at hand for now. We will let you know in due course once we have it.

As the Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay a working visit to Russia from March 27 to 28.

Q: What are the special considerations for Special Envoy Wang Yi's visit to Russia? Please brief us on the arrangements and expected outcomes of this visit.

A: State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Russia as the Special Envoy of President Xi demonstrates the uniqueness of China-Russia relations which are operating at a high-level. President Putin has just been reelected as the President of Russia and China-Russia relations now face new opportunities for development. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet with Russian leaders and hold talk with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during which they will have an in-depth exchange of views on the arrangements for the exchange of high-level visits within the year and stepping up bilateral cooperation in key areas.

Q: First, according to our information, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Russia was canceled. Can you confirm it? What was the reason? When will the visit take place again? Second, the White House announced that the Chinese government informed the US about the visit paid by Chairman Kim Jong-un, I wonder if the Chinese government informed the Russian side as well?

A: As to your first question, I may need to correct you that State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Russia is postponed rather than canceled.

We said earlier that China and Russia agreed that President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi would pay a working visit to Russia from March 27 to 28. But as we all know, on March 25, a massive fire at a shopping mall in Kemerovo caused major casualties and property losses. You may have learned that the Chinese leaders sent messages of condolences to the Russian leaders immediately. Considering the major adjustments in the agenda of Russian leaders, China and Russia have agreed to postpone State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit.

As to your second question, China will surely inform relevant parties of the information about Chairman Kim's visit.